When most players step on court, they’re focused on themselves — their forehand technique, footwork patterns, or mental focus. But according to strategy expert Craig O’Shannessy, that’s not how great match play works.
In his Opponent Awareness webinar, O’Shannessy — the world’s leading tennis strategy analyst — reveals a mindset shift that separates winners from the rest:
“You are the second most important person on the court.”
This concept, simple yet powerful, forms the foundation of smarter tennis. It’s not just about what you do with the ball — it’s about how you make your opponent react.
What Is Opponent Awareness in Tennis?
Opponent awareness is the ability to read and understand the player across the net — their tendencies, emotional patterns, and weaknesses — and then build your game plan around that information.
It’s one of the least trained yet most valuable skills in tennis strategy.
